Outside Open Enrollment · Michigan
Special Enrollment Period in Michigan: who qualifies and how long you have
Outside November 1 to January 15, you need a qualifying life event to get a Marketplace plan. Here’s what counts and how the 60-day clock works.
Your info goes to Nexus only and is never sold. Not to a call center, not to a list of “partners.”
- 60-day window
- Qualifying events
- Medicaid any time
See if I qualify
Your info goes to Nexus only. Never sold. No pitch, no obligation.
Common qualifying life events
- Losing health coverage, such as job-based coverage, Medicaid or a parent’s plan at 26.
- Household changes: getting married, having a baby or adopting a child.
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county (you generally need to have had coverage before the move).
- Other changes HealthCare.gov lists, such as gaining citizenship or leaving incarceration.
You generally have 60 days from the event to pick a plan, and for coverage loss you can pick up to 60 days before it ends. You may need to send documents within 30 days. Dropping coverage on purpose or not paying premiums doesn’t qualify. [HealthCare.gov]
No qualifying event?
Medicaid (the Healthy Michigan Plan for adults up to 138% of the poverty level) has no enrollment window; apply any time through MI Bridges. Otherwise, the next window is Open Enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
Need everyday care while you wait? Virtual primary care is a monthly wellbeing benefit you can join any time. It’s not insurance.
Check my situationLost job coverage?
Compare COBRA with a Marketplace plan and see real county prices on lost job coverage. Turning 26, retiring early or starting a business? See early retirees and self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get health insurance outside Open Enrollment in Michigan?
Yes, if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, marriage, a new baby or a move. You generally have 60 days to pick a plan. Medicaid has no enrollment window.
How long is a Special Enrollment Period?
Generally 60 days from the qualifying event. For a coverage loss, you can also pick a plan up to 60 days before it ends.
Does quitting COBRA give me a Special Enrollment Period?
No. Voluntarily dropping COBRA or not paying doesn't qualify, but COBRA running out does.
Will you sell my information?
No. Your information goes to Nexus Benefit Solutions only and is never sold.